SWW - when do notices go out about interviews?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one delusional enough to be hoping for a 'we made a mistake, your kid is invited for an interview' email?

For the class of 2025 they actually did with my son. He had a 4.0 and no interview. I emailed and the staff said it was a mistake. My daughter also has a 4.0 (this year) and no interview but I assume it's not a mistake. Given the lack of transparency they've set up with this new system, I doubt they would even admit if it was a mistake.

It can't hurt to call, they made a mistake on my child's GPA last year and they recalculated and offered an interview on the spot. It was different though since they were going straight by GPA last year. I would suggest calling a couple times if needed for the admin person to answer - a voicemail will likely not be responded to due to volume/time of nothing else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, the student interviewer DOES have an enormous say in the ranking. At least last year it was one student + one teacher and each of their rankings are averaged together. So for the interview portion (which was roughly 98% of the weight of the entire application last year), a hormonal teen who volunteers their time because they need community service credit ends up determining 50% of each potential student's ranking for the interview. The unimpressive teen who interviewed my kid last year was not one I would trust with such a task... but it's what we got.

How do you know how the two interviewers' rankings were weighted? My older kid is at SWW and we never knew whether the student interviewer graded them at all.

(Their younger sibling did not get an interview this year.)

If this is true, it is truly outrageous. I can't believe they would let 14/15 year-olds rate other kids. There is no way that these kids aren't being influenced by who they think is cool/who they would want as their friends.

+1000

And what measures do they take to ensure these students do not have some connection to the kids they are interviewing (siblings of friends/friends of siblings)?

I agree that this is terrible. Have they always had students have a role in the interview process and get to weigh in on who gets in? I can't believe DCPS allows this. Have these students been through implicit bias training?

[Anonymous]

Are there kids from deal with less than a 4.0 who were invited for an interview?

[Anonymous]

The recommendation form from a few years ago:
Teacher Recommendation English
Reading ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average reading ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Reads at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Reads somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Reads well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Reading level is far advanced for age and grade level

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Communication Skills (oral)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Communication Skills (written)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Level of collaboration with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Willingness to persevere through challenges
Not Applicable
1 Unable to work through challenges that arise
2 Sometimes able to work through challenges that arise
3 Most times able to work through challenges that arise
4 Successful in working through any challenges that arise
5 Excels in working through any challenges that arise

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Teacher Recommendation - Math
Mathematic ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average math ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Math ability at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Math ability somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Math ability well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Math ability is far advanced for age and grade level

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Computation Skills
Not Applicable
1 Below average math fluency for grade level
2 Average math fluency for grade level
3 Above average math fluency for grade level
4 Advanced math fluency for grade level
5 Exceptional math fluency for grade level

Problem Solving Skills
Not Applicable
1 Unable to problem solve with support
2 Able to problem solve with support
3 Able to problem solve independently
4 Independently can solve advanced problems
5 Exceptional at independently problem solving above grade level

Level of Abstract Reasoning
Not Applicable
1 Unable to explain themes and apply ideas without step by step direction
2 Able to explain themes and apply ideas with support
3 Sometimes able to explain themes and apply ideas independently
4 Most of the time able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas
5 Always able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Ability to collaborate with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Counselor Recommendation
Counselor’s Recommendation: Please discuss the applicant’s school adjustment and accomplishments both socially and academically. Include any information you may have regarding the student’s long range educational and career plans.(Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just wonder if, for example, a large number of Deal kids didn’t get asked for an interview because so many Deal kids applied. Something like that.

In the past, Walls has ranked applicants in order of cumulative score then interviewed the top 500. So no consideration of MS.

The crummy part with any of the application high schools is that after interviews, applicants are ordered by total score and matched in order until all seats are filled, so the waitlist is ordered by total score.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The recommendation form from a few years ago:
Teacher Recommendation English
Reading ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average reading ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Reads at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Reads somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Reads well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Reading level is far advanced for age and grade level

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Communication Skills (oral)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Communication Skills (written)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Level of collaboration with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Willingness to persevere through challenges
Not Applicable
1 Unable to work through challenges that arise
2 Sometimes able to work through challenges that arise
3 Most times able to work through challenges that arise
4 Successful in working through any challenges that arise
5 Excels in working through any challenges that arise

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Teacher Recommendation - Math
Mathematic ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average math ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Math ability at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Math ability somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Math ability well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Math ability is far advanced for age and grade level

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Computation Skills
Not Applicable
1 Below average math fluency for grade level
2 Average math fluency for grade level
3 Above average math fluency for grade level
4 Advanced math fluency for grade level
5 Exceptional math fluency for grade level

Problem Solving Skills
Not Applicable
1 Unable to problem solve with support
2 Able to problem solve with support
3 Able to problem solve independently
4 Independently can solve advanced problems
5 Exceptional at independently problem solving above grade level

Level of Abstract Reasoning
Not Applicable
1 Unable to explain themes and apply ideas without step by step direction
2 Able to explain themes and apply ideas with support
3 Sometimes able to explain themes and apply ideas independently
4 Most of the time able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas
5 Always able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Ability to collaborate with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Counselor Recommendation
Counselor’s Recommendation: Please discuss the applicant’s school adjustment and accomplishments both socially and academically. Include any information you may have regarding the student’s long range educational and career plans.(Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

This is actually profoundly helpful (for a parent of a slightly younger kid). Being proactive/seeking out additional challenging work seems essential to getting a good rec.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there not a 2nd round of interviews like in years past? Or has everyone gotten notice one way or the other? Just curious...we went through this last year and the interviews were offered in at least 2 different rounds.

+1 also went through last year and invites for interviews were not all sent at same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure SWW is being flooded with calls and emails by now. This sounds like a disaster.

Anyone get the notice for which day their individual interview will be? I do wonder if all the calls are slowing down their process, but who knows.

If you guys really want a horror story, my kid's friend's recommender didn't even get their rec in until a week after the deadline (the "real" 2/9 one), and so their application was incomplete (and so no interview). Guess it could be worse.

No notice yet. They said we'll be emailed with date and time by today, and from experience so far I think that's going to mean very end of the day.

Last year it was several days after they said they would send it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The recommendation form from a few years ago:
Teacher Recommendation English
Reading ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average reading ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Reads at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Reads somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Reads well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Reading level is far advanced for age and grade level

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Communication Skills (oral)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Communication Skills (written)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Level of collaboration with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Willingness to persevere through challenges
Not Applicable
1 Unable to work through challenges that arise
2 Sometimes able to work through challenges that arise
3 Most times able to work through challenges that arise
4 Successful in working through any challenges that arise
5 Excels in working through any challenges that arise

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Teacher Recommendation - Math
Mathematic ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average math ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Math ability at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Math ability somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Math ability well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Math ability is far advanced for age and grade level

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Computation Skills
Not Applicable
1 Below average math fluency for grade level
2 Average math fluency for grade level
3 Above average math fluency for grade level
4 Advanced math fluency for grade level
5 Exceptional math fluency for grade level

Problem Solving Skills
Not Applicable
1 Unable to problem solve with support
2 Able to problem solve with support
3 Able to problem solve independently
4 Independently can solve advanced problems
5 Exceptional at independently problem solving above grade level

Level of Abstract Reasoning
Not Applicable
1 Unable to explain themes and apply ideas without step by step direction
2 Able to explain themes and apply ideas with support
3 Sometimes able to explain themes and apply ideas independently
4 Most of the time able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas
5 Always able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Ability to collaborate with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Counselor Recommendation
Counselor’s Recommendation: Please discuss the applicant’s school adjustment and accomplishments both socially and academically. Include any information you may have regarding the student’s long range educational and career plans.(Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

These are from a few years ago?

Not this year.

[Anonymous]

Anybody know of kids from BASIS being offered an interview?

[Anonymous]

And thanks for posting the teacher/counselor recs.

I can see where my kid could get the overall highest rating but not the overall highest rating for each question and maybe you needed to get both. I can't imagine that Walls just looked at overall rating. Seems like there would be more than 300 kids who had GPA over 3.7 and received highest overall rating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The recommendation form from a few years ago:
Teacher Recommendation English
Reading ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average reading ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Reads at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Reads somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Reads well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Reading level is far advanced for age and grade level

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Communication Skills (oral)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Communication Skills (written)
Not Applicable
1 Not able to express ideas clearly or effectively
2 Sometimes able to communicate clearly and effectively
3 Usually able to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
4 Communicates complex ideas clearly and effectively
5 Communicates complex ideas with style; Polished and persuasive

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Level of collaboration with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Willingness to persevere through challenges
Not Applicable
1 Unable to work through challenges that arise
2 Sometimes able to work through challenges that arise
3 Most times able to work through challenges that arise
4 Successful in working through any challenges that arise
5 Excels in working through any challenges that arise

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Teacher Recommendation - Math
Mathematic ability in relation to age and grade level
Not Applicable
1 Below average math ability in relation to age and grade level
2 Math ability at or around expectations for age and grade level
3 Math ability somewhat above expectations for age and grade level
4 Math ability well above expectations for age and grade level
5 Math ability is far advanced for age and grade level

Seeks out advanced work
Not Applicable
1 Declines opportunities for challenges or advanced work
2 Rarely seeks out advanced work, sometimes persists through challenging work
3 Occasionally seeks out advanced work, usually persists through challenging work
4 Often seeks out advanced work, consistently persists through challenging work
5 Always seeks opportunities for advanced work and persists through challenges, proactive learner

Completes assigned work
Not Applicable
1 rarely completes assignments
2 occasionally completes assignments
3 usually completes assignments
4 consistently completes assigned work
5 seeks additional work

Computation Skills
Not Applicable
1 Below average math fluency for grade level
2 Average math fluency for grade level
3 Above average math fluency for grade level
4 Advanced math fluency for grade level
5 Exceptional math fluency for grade level

Problem Solving Skills
Not Applicable
1 Unable to problem solve with support
2 Able to problem solve with support
3 Able to problem solve independently
4 Independently can solve advanced problems
5 Exceptional at independently problem solving above grade level

Level of Abstract Reasoning
Not Applicable
1 Unable to explain themes and apply ideas without step by step direction
2 Able to explain themes and apply ideas with support
3 Sometimes able to explain themes and apply ideas independently
4 Most of the time able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas
5 Always able to clearly explain themes and apply ideas

Positive Interactions with Teachers and other School Adults
Not Applicable
1 rarely engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
2 occasionally engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
3 usually engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
4 consistently engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults
5 always engages in positive interactions with teacher / school adults

Ability to collaborate with peers in class
Not Applicable
1 Rarely engages collaboratively with peers in class
2 Sometimes engages collaboratively with peers in class
3 Usually engages collaboratively with peers in class
4 Consistently able to engage productively with peers in class.
5 Proactive problem-solver or leader with peers in class.

Initiative
Not Applicable
1 rarely exhibits initiative
2 occasionally exhibits initiative
3 usually exhibits initiative
4 consistently exhibits initiative
5 Extremely motivated and innovative

Leadership
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes on leadership role
2 occasionally takes on leadership role
3 usually takes on leadership role
4 consistently takes on leadership role
5 strong, positive and effective leader

Responsibility
Not Applicable
1 rarely takes responsibility for actions
2 occasionally takes responsibility for actions
3 usually takes responsibility for actions
4 consistently takes responsibility for actions
5 assumes full responsibility for all actions

Level of commitment to community
Not Applicable
1 rarely commits to community activities
2 occasionally commits to community activities
3 usually commits to community activities
4 consistently commits to community activities
5 exceptional dedication to their community

Please discuss the applicant’s attitude toward school in terms of (a) strengths and weaknesses, (b) achievements, and (c) motivation and capacity for hard work. Please elaborate on or explain any areas where your responses above may be inconsistent with grades, performance, or your ultimate recommendation. (Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Counselor Recommendation
Counselor’s Recommendation: Please discuss the applicant’s school adjustment and accomplishments both socially and academically. Include any information you may have regarding the student’s long range educational and career plans.(Response space provided)

Overall recommendation for this student for ____________specialized high school*
1 Not Recommended
2 Recommend with reservations
3 Recommend
4 Highly recommend
*Individual box to appear for each Specialized High School that student is applying to.

Our school provided this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And thanks for posting the teacher/counselor recs.

I can see where my kid could get the overall highest rating but not the overall highest rating for each question and maybe you needed to get both. I can't imagine that Walls just looked at overall rating. Seems like there would be more than 300 kids who had GPA over 3.7 and received highest overall rating.

Except these aren’t the teacher rec forms for this year…

[Anonymous]

Still haven’t figured out how the Lottery is involved with the pool at SWW or Banneker except for the “ranked it higher or not” part.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And thanks for posting the teacher/counselor recs.

I can see where my kid could get the overall highest rating but not the overall highest rating for each question and maybe you needed to get both. I can't imagine that Walls just looked at overall rating. Seems like there would be more than 300 kids who had GPA over 3.7 and received highest overall rating.

Except these aren’t the teacher rec forms for this year…

Did they use some other form this year? Or is this for a school other than SWW? (Someone upthread said that Banneker had used form recs long before SWW started)